'Parrot fever' outbreak in 5 European nations kills 5 folks

Related stories

-Advertisement-

-- Advertisment --

- Advertisement -

An outbreak of a respiratory an infection that almost all usually impacts birds has killed 5 folks in Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns.

During 2023 and the beginning of 2024, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands have reported an “uncommon and surprising improve” in circumstances of so-called parrot fever, past what’s been seen in earlier years, the WHO mentioned in a statement Tuesday (March 5). In all, the sickness has affected almost 90 folks, with 5 deaths reported amongst them.

Parrot fever, or psittacosis, is brought on by a species of micro organism known as Chlamydia psittaci (additionally spelled Chlamydophila psittaci). The micro organism can infect many mammals — including dogs, cats and horses — however most frequently infects birds.

Humans can catch psittacosis by inhaling airborne particles containing C. psittaci, however human-to-human transmission of the illness is very rare, with solely a handful of circumstances ever reported. Instead, most individuals develop psittacosis by inhaling particles that waft from the breath, poop or feather mud of contaminated birds, particularly pets comparable to parrots, finches or canaries.

The illness is thus extra frequent in individuals who come into shut contact with birds — comparable to poultry staff, veterinarians and pet-bird house owners.

That mentioned, C. psittaci an infection is feasible with out having direct contact with birds, and there is no proof that the micro organism may be unfold by preparing or eating poultry.

Related: Scientists launch genetically modified mosquitoes to battle dengue in Brazil

Psittacosis usually causes gentle sickness in people. Its signs resemble those of the flu — comparable to fever, chills, headache and dry cough — and normally seem inside 5 to 14 days after a person is uncovered to the micro organism. Antibiotics successfully remedy the illness in the event that they’re used early in the middle of an infection, and so they assist forestall critical problems, comparable to pneumonia and inflammation of the heart.

Appropriate remedy with antibiotics can cut back the dying fee of psittacosis from between 15% and 20% to just 1%.

The 5 nations affected by the present psittacosis uptick have reported way more circumstances than standard. Some of those circumstances have been suspected, based mostly on signs, and others have been confirmed with varied diagnostic checks. Notably, most circumstances concerned contact with contaminated wild or pet birds. But in some circumstances, recent contact with birds wasn’t reported in any respect.

Austria, as an illustration, normally has round two human psittacosis circumstances a yr. But in 2023, 14 have been reported, and 4 extra occurred between Jan. 1 and March 4, 2024. These circumstances have been unrelated, and not one of the sufferers had traveled overseas or had contact with wild birds.

In recent years, Denmark has normally had 15 to 30 psittacosis circumstances yearly. However, from late 2023 to late February 2024, round 23 folks have been contaminated. Of these circumstances, 17 folks have been hospitalized, 15 developed pneumonia and 4 died. One case was linked to an contaminated pet chook. Of the 15 different circumstances with available info, 12 had direct contact with wild birds, primarily through chook feeders, whereas 4 mentioned they’d had no contact with birds.

Parrot fever, or psittacosis, is brought on by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, illustrated above. (Image credit score: Dr_Microbe through Getty Images)

Germany usually has round 15 circumstances a yr however noticed 19 in 2023 and early 2024. Eighteen of the 19 circumstances resulted in pneumonia, with 16 folks hospitalized because of their an infection. In the Netherlands, 21 folks obtained psittacosis between December 2023 and late February 2024 — twice as many as did in the identical interval in prior years. Everyone was hospitalized, and one person died. Thirteen had contact with both wild or pet chook droppings, and eight had no contact with birds.

Sweden noticed 26 circumstances of psittacosis in November and December 2023 — double the quantity seen in the identical interval in earlier years. But complicating the image, the nation then noticed a lower-than-average complete of 13 circumstances in January and February 2024.

Further investigation is required to find out whether or not the rise in circumstances throughout nations is often because extra individuals are creating the illness, or slightly that extra circumstances are being detected because of improved surveillance and diagnostic strategies, the WHO mentioned.

Nevertheless, “the involved nations have applied epidemiological investigations to establish potential exposures and clusters of circumstances,” the WHO mentioned. Samples from wild birds which have been submitted to the lab to check for avian influenza, or chook flu, are additionally being analyzed for indicators of C. psittaci an infection.

There’s no indication that psittacosis is being unfold by people inside these nations or internationally, and the danger of human-to-human transmission is low, the WHO mentioned. In the meantime, the organization advises pet-bird house owners to maintain their animals’ cages clear, keep away from overcrowding their pets, and wash their fingers when dealing with the birds or their poop. Newly acquired birds must also be quarantined when first introduced home and brought to the vet if sick.

Psittacosis symptoms in birds embody poor urge for food, a ruffled look and eye or nostril discharge. Death charges differ by species however may be 50% or more in parrots, as an illustration.

This article is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to supply medical recommendation.

Ever marvel why some folks build muscle extra simply than others or why freckles come out within the solar? Send us your questions on how the human physique works to [email protected] with the topic line “Health Desk Q,” and you may even see your query answered on the web site!

- Advertisement -

Pet News 2Day https://petnews2day.com

About the editor Hey there! I'm proud to be the editor of Pet News 2Day. With a lifetime of experience and a genuine love for animals, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my role. Experience and Expertise Animals have always been a central part of my life. I'm not only the owner of a top-notch dog grooming business in, but I also have a diverse and happy family of my own. We have five adorable dogs, six charming cats, a wise old tortoise, four adorable guinea pigs, two bouncy rabbits, and even a lively flock of chickens. Needless to say, my home is a haven for animal love! Credibility What sets me apart as a credible editor is my hands-on experience and dedication. Through running my grooming business, I've developed a deep understanding of various dog breeds and their needs. I take pride in delivering exceptional grooming services and ensuring each furry client feels comfortable and cared for. Commitment to Animal Welfare But my passion extends beyond my business. Fostering dogs until they find their forever homes is something I'm truly committed to. It's an incredibly rewarding experience, knowing that I'm making a difference in their lives. Additionally, I've volunteered at animal rescue centers across the globe, helping animals in need and gaining a global perspective on animal welfare. Trusted Source I believe that my diverse experiences, from running a successful grooming business to fostering and volunteering, make me a credible editor in the field of pet journalism. I strive to provide accurate and informative content, sharing insights into pet ownership, behavior, and care. My genuine love for animals drives me to be a trusted source for pet-related information, and I'm honored to share my knowledge and passion with readers like you.

-Advertisement-

‘Parrot fever’ outbreak in 5 European nations kills 5 folks

How to maintain hen flu outbreaks out of your flock

Two US vaccines might ship in weeks if chook flu jumps from contaminated cows to people

‘A Bird In Full Wingspan’: Emily Blunt Recalls How Husband John Krasinski Struggled To Deal with A Large Spider In Australia

More cows are being examined for hen flu. Here’s what you’ll want to learn about avian influenza in milk

Bird flu is value worrying about, however not freaking out about. But.

Experts develop involved as development throughout ‘kitten season’ worsens: ‘Every 12 months we simply comprehend it’s going to get tougher’

Lincoln County’s Double M Dog Agility enters seventh season of courses

Petland Central Ohio Stores Donates to Emergency Care of 40 Dog Rescue

Lincoln County’s Double M Dog Agility enters seventh season of lessons

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

About Us

Popular Today

Delco man sentenced to probation for killing his daughter’s rescue canine

Township's Treasured Canine 'Embraces' Jubilant Reunion With Loving Family – iHeartDogs.com

Isle of Wight charity host canine present fundraiser – Isle of Wight County Press

Popular Pet Guides

From Scratches to Snuggles: How to Train Your Kitten

Cat Anxiety: Understanding and Supporting Your Feline Companion

Running a Dog Breeding Business

Pets Needing Homes

Profile for Matthew & Co

Profile for Callie | RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre

Profile for Rosie | RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre

Experts develop involved as development throughout ‘kitten season’ worsens: ‘Every 12...